Dokolo Girls Secondary School Learners Discover the Power of Technology Through ICT Club Launch

Dokolo Girls Secondary School has taken a meaningful step towards empowering learners with digital skills, creativity, innovation, and responsible use of technology through the official launch and orientation of its ICT Club.

The activity took place on 25th February 2026 at the school in Dokolo Sub-county, Dokolo District, and was facilitated by Kyasima Freedom on behalf of KAWA CONNECT in partnership with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and UCUSAF.

The visit aimed at introducing learners and school leaders to the purpose of ICT Clubs in schools and helping students understand how technology can support learning, innovation, and community development. The session encouraged learners to see ICT not only as a tool for communication, but also as a powerful resource for identifying real challenges and developing practical solutions.

The school leadership, led by Headteacher Ms Acio Lily Grace, together with ICT Club Patron Mr Otim Raphael, welcomed the initiative and engaged with the KAWA team on how the club can be supported and sustained throughout the school year.

Before the training activities began, learners were invited to share their expectations. Many expressed interest in gaining practical computer skills beyond normal classroom learning. Others hoped to learn coding, digital creativity, and ways of using technology to solve problems in their communities. Some students also expected the club to help them build teamwork, leadership, confidence, and innovative thinking for future careers in technology and the digital economy.

During the orientation, learners were guided on the aims of the ICT Club. The club seeks to strengthen students’ digital competence, promote responsible use of technology, and encourage learners to take an active role in maintaining and protecting ICT equipment within the school. It also aims to develop teamwork, leadership, and creativity by encouraging learners to explore technology-based solutions to community challenges.

Various instructional resources were used during the training session, including presentations, demonstrations, guided discussions, and practical examples related to digital skills and technology innovation. Learners were also introduced to learning resources that can help them continue developing their digital knowledge and innovation ideas after the launch.

The ICT Club was officially launched as part of the wider national programme promoting digital skills and innovation among young people in Uganda. This helped learners appreciate that they are part of a bigger movement preparing students to participate meaningfully in the digital future.

The launch created a platform for learners to take an active interest in technology, work together as a team, and begin exploring ICT ideas that could benefit their school and surrounding community.

During the visit, arrangements were made with the school administration and teachers to establish the ICT Club leadership structure. Student leaders were selected to help coordinate club activities and encourage participation among fellow learners. Guidance was provided on leadership roles, teamwork, accountability, and the importance of keeping the club active and productive.

A sample ICT Club constitution was shared with the school to guide the organisation and management of the club. The ICT Club Handbook was also provided to support effective club operations, including leadership roles, club organisation, innovation activities, learner participation, and digital skills development. A digital copy was shared with the club patron and teachers for continued use throughout the year.

The digital skills training introduced learners to basic ICT laboratory management, introductory coding concepts, internet safety, cybersecurity awareness, and responsible use of digital tools. The session also encouraged students to explore innovation by thinking about how technology can be applied to solve real problems within their communities.

The expected outcomes of the Dokolo Girls Secondary School ICT Club include improved practical ICT skills, stronger student responsibility in maintaining ICT equipment, increased awareness of safe and responsible technology use, and greater learner creativity through ICT projects. The club is also expected to expose students to national ICT initiatives, mentorship opportunities, and future careers in the digital world.

Learners were informed about opportunities to participate in national ICT innovation platforms such as the National Conference on Communications, NCC. They were encouraged to take club activities seriously and begin developing creative technology ideas that could eventually be presented during such competitions.

KAWA also held discussions with the school administration, ICT Club patron, and teachers to strengthen institutional support for the programme. The discussions highlighted the importance of regular ICT Club meetings, teacher mentorship, and continuous encouragement of learners to participate actively in innovation activities.

One major challenge identified during the visit was the lack of a reliable electricity supply. Although there are plans to extend electricity to the school, the connection had not yet been completed at the time of the visit. This makes it difficult for students to use computers and other ICT equipment consistently.

As a result, opportunities for practical ICT training, coding practice, and innovation activities are currently limited. Reliable power is therefore essential if the ICT Club is to grow into an active and sustainable centre for digital learning.

To support ICT learning, the school is encouraged to prioritise securing a stable electricity supply either through extension of the power line or through alternative energy solutions such as solar power systems. Reliable power will allow students to fully utilise ICT equipment for learning, coding practice, and innovation.

Continued mentorship and support from KAWA CONNECT, UCC, and UCUSAF will also help learners strengthen their digital skills, develop innovative ICT projects, and sustain active club participation throughout the year.

The launch of the ICT Club at Dokolo Girls Secondary School was successful and created strong interest among learners in technology, innovation, and digital skills development. Despite the current challenge of unreliable electricity, the enthusiasm demonstrated by students and teachers shows that the club has great potential to grow.

With continued support, the ICT Club is expected to become an important platform for nurturing young innovators, technology leaders, and problem-solvers who can positively impact their school and wider community.

Both students and teachers appreciated the initiative and described the training as motivating and informative. Learners showed excitement about opportunities to learn coding, technology innovation, and digital problem-solving. The ICT Club Patron committed to supporting the student leadership team and encouraging learners to actively participate in club activities so that the initiative continues to grow and benefit the school community.

KAWA sincerely appreciates UCC and UCUSAF for their continued support towards the establishment and training of ICT Clubs in schools across Uganda.